Probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned with having two sensory kids is that no one is going to be my children’s advocate except me. Sometimes I’ve even had to battle my own family as I worked to finding the answers for my kids. So as you continue down this path of sensory challenges, keep in mind that at the end of the day, your biggest job isn’t the small details but rather to be your child’s advocate.
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Personal stories of family struggles with Sensory Processing Disorder helps make us feel less alone and more normal. SPD can make one feel isolated and question one’s ability to parent a special needs kid. But hearing other people’s stories lets us know that we are all doing our best and that there are thousands of other families facing the same challenges we are.
Join us on Voices of Sensory Processing Disorder to hear other people’s stories and know that you are not alone.
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We often talk about our Sensory Processing Disorder kids from a mom’s perspective. But let’s not forget that there are lots of involved dads out there. So a shout out to all the fathers that are involved in a day-to-day basis with their kiddos and making a difference in their kids’ lives.
Thank you for the outpouring reaction to the first official month of Voices of Sensory Processing Disorder. We’ve had some amazing pieces published this past month! Be sure to listen and find out how these Voices can help you find your own.
Hello friends. It’s time to rip off the Band-aide and just start. No more excuses. No more thinking. Just do it already, Jennifer! After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one simple step. So I offer you Voices of Sensory Processing Disorder.
For the first year we knew my son had Sensory Processing Disorder, we didn’t exactly hide it but I didn’t talk about it publicly. Then, once I started letting friends know about it, I decided it was better to be honest than to try to hide the fact that we were facing SPD as a family.
I was recently inspired by a hater who thinks I’m “CRAZY” because I write this blog. This opened my eyes to the fact that there are probably many people who think I’m crazy for airing my dirty laundry onto the Internet, and I felt the need to step onto my soapbox for a moment. Thank you for humoring me.
There’s a lot I don’t understand about SPD (and probably never will), but I know my son copes with his intolerances, discomfort, fears and anxieties with rules. A lot of rules. As his Mama, it turns out that I have rules, too.
Has anyone ever heard of sensory processing disorder? Well, I sure as hell never did. Sensory Processing Disorder is pretty much the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever encountered in my life. It sounds like something some sick bastard invented to tell kids to scare them in an attempt to get them to behave.
Last Christmas my sister bought Mr. Sensitive a new winter coat. It was thick and warm and had Mr. Sensitive’s favorite race cars on it. He looked at the pictures on his coat and returned to playing with his new Christmas toys. I thanked my sister for the expensive gift. No big deal, my husband and I thought. He can try it on later. Were we ever wrong.
In 2010, after getting accepted into graduate school to obtain my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, I started work with a new therapist, and my life changed. I told her about my history and described that maybe I had something wrong with me sensory-wise. Before our second session was over, we were on her laptop, and I was taking a quiz to see if I had sensory issues. And why yes. Yes, I did.
I know some of these people mean well when they tell me he’s perfectly fine, but most of their comments are rude and plain insulting, and I know I’m not alone in this.
Visiting the local library, I noticed the shelves of books preparing tots for their first day of kindergarten. But I had to wonder, where are the books preparing the parents for the first day of kindergarten? This momentous move is presented as a rite of passage for our five and six year olds. But we parents are often overlooked. Isn’t this a rite of passage for us as well? And today holds great significance for SPD parents.
I have NLD. Nonverbal learning disabilities (or anydisability) is like a mountain between where you are and where you want to go. But there are ways to attack the mountain of sensory overload problems and ways of coping.
What words of advice can I offer after going through all of this? To parents: trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone. Don’t let the judgemental looks or well-meant comments question yourself.
She took it upon herself to plug her nose when everyone at her table was eating bologna sandwiches. I was beyond excited for her! Excited that she learned a few coping skills all on her own! That she didn’t isolate herself from everyone else. It was a pretty proud mama bear moment for me.
For those of you whose children were diagnosed recently, I recommend you start a sensory diet. I really thought this was about food at first. I had never heard of this before. When the Neuropsychologist who diagnosed Adrian suggested a sensory diet, I asked which foods he meant. A sensory diet are activities that help your child process sensory input.
“Some studies estimate that Sensory Processing Disorder affects at least one in every 20 kids, and potentially as many as one in every six. Meet real kids and learn how SPD has affected their lives and their families.” -SheKnows.com
Looking at my kids, I do wonder how they will be as adults. Don’t we all worry? We just want them to be able to function and do what they want to do in life. It’s always good to hear from adults with SPD to know that things will be okay.
A Young Adult With SPD Shares Her Struggles
“When my son was a toddler, he had many fears. He was afraid of loud noises, ostriches and doorknockers in the shape of lions. But what terrified my son the most was a McDonald’s dessert called “Mega Button Blast.” — Leda Natkin Nelis
Whether we admit it or not, we parents are all wondering how our kids are going to turn out when they’re older. Here’s a kiddo who is turning 18 and has faced Sensory Processing Disorder. Listen to his story….
A Teenager’s Success Story: A Look Back
There are so many personal stories and articles out there about Autism. But I find just replacing Autism or Aspergers with sensory often applies when it comes to the personal feelings and experiences we all have.
Here’s an article about the 11 things Gilligan’s Island Taught about Parenting Autistic Kids. But I scroll through the list and find I have had many of the same experiences. After all, sensory disorders are a component of both Autism and Aspergers. So when you’re looking for support, look at the entire Autistic spectrum rather than just the sliver of the sensory spectrum. It will help you better understand your child.
11 Things Gilligan’s Island Taught Me About Parenting Autistic Kids
When I read this personal blog entry, I was moved to tears. It touched on all my bad feelings about myself — about my worries for my children. Why hadn’t I seen the SPD signs earlier? Why can’t I understand my kid’s behavior even as I’m doing my darndest to educate myself about Sensory Processing Disorder? Why do I still get mad about things that aren’t within my (or my son’s) control? What if what I’m doing isn’t enough? What if I’m not enough?
I’ve come to a point to recognize that I’m only human. And no matter what anyone says, I’m busting my rear to make sure my child gets the best care he needs while trying to find a balance in keeping my sanity. I know that, and that’s all that matters. So it’s time to put the past in the past and move forward. No more hating myself for things said or left unsaid… for things done or not done. It’s time to move forward and forgive myself.
Saying My Sorries So We Can Move On
The Sensory Spectrum 